At this point in its history a majority of Americans wear prescription eyeglasses in one form or another. This means 143 million adults or 64% of the population are spending hundreds of dollars every few years to update their prescriptions and find new glasses or contacts.
For many this represents both a stylistic and economic hassle. The average consumer spends $173 on eyeglasses per purchase. On top of this, eyeglass styles are constantly moving in and out of stock at common retailers. This means most people are going to be finding new, expensive glasses every few years.
This is, fortunately, not the only option. For those with their favorite set of glasses that have an outdated prescription, those with more vintage or outdated frames, or those that simply want to have a more affordable way to get new glasses, replacement lenses offer a great alternative option.
Replacement lenses can transfer any set of frames into modern, usable eyeglasses. This isn’t limited by bifocals or trifocals, it isn’t limited by progressive or high-index lenses, there’s a way to transfer any frames into exactly what a consumer may need.
There are even different types of lenses offered that modern retailers may not be as keen to share. Plastic has become the definite favorite of modern times, it’s lighter and isn’t prone to any form of shattering. While glass is the most old fashioned and while it rarely scratches and has the best vision, it’s also the heaviest and most vulnerable.
Polycarbonate is another less common alternative that blocks sun, doesn’t shatter, but is more susceptible to scratches. On top of these physical lenses, there are also modern coatings that add scratch resistance, UV protection, and various other features. Some, such as an anti-fogging or reflection coat will cost a bit more on purchase though.
Interestingly many lens tints have become helpful alternatives to normal clear lenses. Yellow and orange lenses make it easier to see in the dark, brown reduces bright light strain, gray reduces light universally and creates glasses much closer to a pair of sunglasses, blue helps against reflective surfaces, and pink can help reduce migraines.
These may not be for everyone but for those with specifical sense-based issues they can be helpful options. Right in line with colored lenses are the new trend of transition lenses. Transition lenses move from bright to dark depending on the level of sun exposure. This makes time in the sun much more pleasant but does take some downtime to adjust.
Sunglasses at large are an easy fix under replacement lenses. Not only can they be added to any prescription but any frame can also be equipped with sunglass lenses, prescription free. This is all that the majority of what one can expect when getting replacement lenses. After ordering they can be expected to come in 5-11 days, a quicker process than normal eyeglass creation.
Not many people use replacement lenses as it stands, but not for a lack of quality. Especially when it comes to older persons with long lasting perceptions, everyone should be aware that there is always the cheaper option of lens replacement. Alongside digital eyeglass purchase, it’s a market that’s only projected to grow.
